For Immediate Release: March 2, 2026
Contact: Darren Grubb, Medicare Advantage Majority Spokesperson
press@medicareadvantagemajority.org
RALIEGH, N.C. – A new survey released by Medicare Advantage Majority (MAM) finds that senior voters in North Carolina overwhelmingly support Medicare Advantage and want lawmakers to protect the program from funding decisions that could raise costs, reduce benefits, and limit access to care. The findings also reveal deep concern that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed 2027 Advance Rate Notice fails to keep pace with rising healthcare costs, putting North Carolina’s seniors’ coverage, care affordability, and financial security at risk.
“For seniors across North Carolina, Medicare Advantage provides essential coverage, predictable costs, and access to trusted doctors and services,” said MAM spokesperson Darren Grubb. “North Carolina seniors have a strong message for their elected officials: they need lawmakers to protect Medicare Advantage and ensure funding keeps pace with rising healthcare costs. Any cuts could jeopardize benefits, increase financial strain, and limit access to care for the more than 1.3 million North Carolinians who depend on this program every day.”
The MAM senior voter survey fielded February 9 – 17, 2026, polled 1,000 senior likely voters nationwide, along with oversamples of 300 senior likely voters in Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Carolina. Topline findings from respondents include:
- Strong and sustained support for Medicare Advantage: Nearly seven in ten senior likely voters nationwide (69%) have a favorable view of Medicare Advantage, unchanged since March 2025. Additionally, an overwhelming 93% say it is important for seniors to have a variety of Medicare plan options to meet their individual health needs.
- Widespread concern about the proposed 2027 Advance Rate Notice: Most senior voters nationwide (63%) are concerned the proposed rate notice will negatively impact Medicare Advantage enrollees if left unchanged.
- Seniors prioritize protecting benefits over reducing federal spending: Nearly four in five senior voters (79%) say sustaining benefits and provider networks should be a higher priority than reducing government spending when setting Medicare Advantage payment rates, including 81% of seniors in North Carolina.
- Growing fears about affordability, access, and choice: The vast majority of seniors (70%) are concerned the proposed rate notice does not reflect rising healthcare costs and inflation and could lead to decreased affordability, reduced access to providers, and fewer plan options. Concern is even higher in North Carolina (73%).
- Clear political consequences for policymakers who support cuts: Most senior voters nationwide (65%) want their member of Congress to oppose cuts to Medicare Advantage funding, and more than two-thirds (67%) say they would be less likely to vote for a lawmaker who supported cuts. Opposition is even stronger in North Carolina, where 71% say they would be less likely to support lawmakers who back cuts.
- Congress would be held accountable for benefit losses: A majority of senior voters (55%) say they would blame members of Congress over other entities if Medicare Advantage funding changes resulted in lost benefits or fewer plan options.
Medicare Advantage currently provides coverage to more than 35 million seniors and people with disabilities nationwide and is the preferred choice for more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries, including nearly 58% in the Tar Heel State. Unlike traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage offers integrated, coordinated care and includes additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and wellness services, helping seniors maintain their health and financial security.
MAM’s latest survey builds on its previous research showing strong and consistent support among seniors and caregivers for protecting Medicare Advantage and ensuring stable funding to preserve benefits, affordability, and access to care.
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About Medicare Advantage Majority (MAM)
Medicare Advantage Majority (MAM) is a 501(c)4 organization dedicated to protecting and strengthening the Medicare Advantage program for 35 million American seniors and people with disabilities – more than half of all eligible Medicare beneficiaries – who depend on it. MAM is powered by the support of local advocates across the country, including beneficiaries, caregivers, providers and community leaders.